NGOs Launch Legal Battle Against French Government to Halt Controversial Actions

Today, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and Défense des Milieux Aquatiques (DMA) are taking legal action against France. They are challenging the country’s use of bottom trawling in Natura 2000 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Their case will be heard by France’s top court, the Conseil d’Etat, focusing on the Chausey MPA, and in the Tribunal Administratif de Rouen for the Bancs des Flandres MPA. These NGOs argue that France is not meeting its obligation to protect these vital marine ecosystems.

Bottom trawling is a fishing method that drags nets across the seabed, causing significant harm to marine habitats. Alarmingly, this practice continues in 77% of French marine Natura 2000 sites, contrary to EU and national environmental laws. In the past five years, around 200,000 hours of trawling were logged each year in these protected areas, despite regulations that should prevent fishing there.

This legal action highlights a broader issue: the French government’s failure to enforce protections in its waters. Marine Protected Areas are crucial for climate stability, biodiversity, and sustainable fisheries. However, they are suffering under lax management and enforcement. With the UN Ocean Conference in Nice on the horizon, EJF and DMA, part of the Protect Our Catch campaign, are urging France to step up its marine conservation efforts.

Marie Colombier from EJF points out the urgency: “Although Natura 2000 covers 35% of France’s maritime territory, 90% of its protected species are still at risk. It’s time for France to act decisively to preserve its marine biodiversity.”

Raphaelle Jeannel, a senior lawyer, emphasizes that bottom trawling contradicts France’s commitment to protect these areas. She states, “The law requires marine biodiversity to be safeguarded, and the government must enforce these regulations effectively.”

Philippe Garcia from DMA argues that enforcing existing rules could help revitalize small-scale, sustainable fishing, which benefits local economies. “Current strategies focus on short-term gains, leading to exhausted ecosystems and uncertain futures for fishermen,” he says.

Even politicians are voicing their support. French Senator Mathilde Ollivier stresses the need for action, especially with the upcoming UN Ocean Conference. She insists that the government needs to demonstrate its commitment to marine protection.

The situation in Bancs des Flandres and Chausey puts the spotlight on the challenges faced by MPAs. Both areas are home to unique ecosystems but have seen significant fishing activity, endangering their habitats. The legal challenge is aligned with the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to protect 30% of Europe’s marine areas by 2030. This includes plans to phase out bottom trawling in MPAs by 2030, ensuring that fragile ecosystems can recover.

In summary, this legal action is critical for addressing the ongoing harm caused by bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas. It urges France to take stronger measures to ensure the health of its marine ecosystems, which are essential for biodiversity and sustainable fishing practices.

Source link